Stories from a real life cowpuncher that will give you a smile and a glimpse of God.

Jace’s Jingle

by Kevin on June 29, 2011

Every head turned in the sale barn as Jace walked in. Quiet whispers of wonder, apprehension, and even disgust permeated through the crowd that had gathered for the Saturday night Cowboy Church service. It was one year ago today that Jace last stepped foot in the sale barn.

That had been the day they announced that a group of cowboys would be holdin’ a little church service in the sale barn on Saturday evenings. Jace had walked up to the cowboy that would be doin’ the preachin’ and pushed him. He loudly proclaimed that he would be takin’ his cattle somewhere else where there wouldn’t be a chance of his cattle endin’ up as a silly sacrifice.

A few people had tried to calm Jace down that day, but he stormed out and his spurs jingled a discordant tune as his heavy footfalls bounced off the concrete. The room was dead silent as the front door slammed.

Jace was true to his word. He took his modest business two counties over and ended years of friendships with anyone that traded at the sale barn.

It must be a cold day in hell, because that’s when Jace said he’d be back. He walked around a group of cowboys, not makin’ any eye contact, and climbed the makeshift bleachers to the top corner and sat there all alone.

After Amazing Grace by a local guitar player, the preacher got up and talked of Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. But the sermon wasn’t about Saul, it was about another man in the story named Ananias.

Ananias was chosen by God to restore Saul’s sight and to baptize him. He had argued with God and told him that Saul was a terrible person and had persecuted Christians.

Rockin' K Bar Photography

Where Ananias saw problems, God saw potential. There is no one that God can’t use.

The preacher closed by saying, “Do not judge people because of their past. God is able to see past their past and see their potential.”

As everyone bowed their heads during the closing prayers, a jingle could be heard coming down the stairs. The tune the spurs played seemed softer and prettier than the last time.

When the prayer was over, Jace stood in front of the large crowd with his face hidden behind the brim of his hat. When he looked up, there were tears in the big cowboy’s eyes.

He took his hat off and wiped at a run away tear as he said to the crowd, “I once was lost…now I’m found.”

17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Acts 9:17-19

Don Coyote

Something like scales fell from his eyes…scales about the size of a cast iron comal…the kind ya cook tortillas on. Know the feeling well. Now ol’ Jace, I figger he does too…

Buster Mitchell

Me an ol’ Jace got a lot in common. Thank God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit we have even more in common now!